Practices, Ceremonies, Rituals and Festivals

PRACTICES

Shinto Practices
What is a Religious Practice? The act of rehearsing a religions traditional, moral and ethical beliefs. Shinto practices commemorate kami Take place mostly in Shrines Ties in and incorporates rituals Major theme: purification (the act of removing uncleanliness to show devotion to the kami)

Omairi
Shintos main religious practice Omairi means participation Done by visiting Shrines Way of paying respect to kami

Harae
Rite of ritual purification (major theme in Shinto religion) Ceremony of offerings and prayers of many forms

Misogi
Means water purification Practice of purification Done whilst reciting prayers (defined to this particular practice) Mostly performed in Shrines or natural settings

Kagura
Ancient Shinto dance Means seat of the kami Aim is to entertain the kami Involves a lion mask as image and presence of deity

Test Yourself
1. What is a major theme in Shinto practices? 2. What is the meaning of Omairi? 3. Which practice involves an Ancient Shinto dance being performed? 4. What are the aim of practices? 5. Where do they mostly take place?

Test Yourself Answers

1. What is a major theme in Shinto practices? Purification 2. What is the meaning of Omairi? Participation 3. Which practice involves an Ancient Shinto dance being performed? Kagura 4. What are the aim of practices? To commemorate the kami 5. Where do they mostly take place? Shrines

 CEREMONIES

Shinto Ceremonies
What are Religious Ceremonies? Religious ceremonies is a formal religious occasion, typically celebrating a particular event of great significance Spirituality of Shinto revealed through ceremonies Remained unchanged for thousands of years Allow adherents to celebrate and give gratitude in order to live joyful and productive lives as part of Divine Nature Enhances connection with the kami Cover significant life events Performed by Shinto priests

Kito (Prayer Ceremonies)

Cover a range of personal and social concerns Builds closer connection with the kami

Jensei Girei (Life Cycle Rites)

HATSUMIYAMAIRI 1st shrine visit of a newborn baby SHICHI-GO-SAN MAIRI ceremony for boys ages 3 and 5 and girls ages 3 and 7 to pray for continued health and safe growth and development SEIJINSHIKI coming of age rite (age 20) SHINZEN KEKKON SHIKI Wedding Ceremony

Coming of Age Ceremony

Most significant ceremony in Shinto religion Initiates individuals, welcoming them into adult Japanese society Represents an important milestone

Shinto Ceremonies in Action

The following link below shows an example of a Shinto ceremony. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R__jKqJcUso

Watch carefully and note any distinctive features you see.

Test Yourself
1. What is the major aim of ceremonies? 2. What is revealed through these ceremonies? 3. Name three major ceremonies in the Shinto Religion. 4. Name the most significant Shinto ceremony. 5. Who are they conducted by?

Test Yourself Answers

1. What is the major aim of ceremonies? Enhances connection with kami 2. What is revealed through these ceremonies? Spirituality of Shinto 3. Name three major ceremonies in the Shinto Religion. *Can be any of the ones mentioned above* 4. Name the most significant Shinto ceremony. Coming of Age Ceremony 5. Who are they conducted by? Shinto Priests

RITUALS

Shinto Rituals
What are Religious Rituals? Religious rituals consist of a series of actions performed according to traditional order Taking part in rituals beings Shinto unites community Entertain the Kami and people Communication with the kami takes place here Most common type involve purification; life cycle rituals also prominent themes

Shinto Rituals cont.

Rituals examined on number of levels including: Jinja Shinto- takes place at Shrines Minzoku Shinto- relates to folk religion in Japan Koshitsu Shinto- practiced at national level Refer to the Shinto Practices slides for specific rituals carried out by Shinto adherents

Entering the Shrine

1. 2. 3. 4. Rinsing of mouths and washing of hands Worshippers proceed to Haiden (prayer hall) Clap their hands 2 times (alerts kami) Devotees bow deeply in respect of kami

Activity:
Place the following images in order in which Shinto adherents enter shrines.

Answers
1. 2.

3.

4.

FESTIVALS
Matsuri

Shinto Festivals
What are Religious Festivals? Religious festivals are days or periods of celebration to commemorate something in particular Vary from community to community Features dancers, boats and bonfires Typically involve food offerings, procession of kami in palanquins and ritual prayers Includes visits to local shrines

Oshogatsu-New Year
A large festival with large attendance Involves people thinking about the kami and making resolutions for New Year

Sejin Shiki-Adults Day

Coming of Age celebration

Haru Matsuri- Spring Festival

Festival surrounding the planting of crops Spring is a time of many festivities Yellow and red are typically worn (to represent presence of the kami in Spring)

Aki Matsuri- Autumn Festival

A time to thank the kami for a good harvest Blue and red are typically worn (to represent the presence of the kami in Autumn)

Shichigosan
This is when parents give thanks and appreciation for the life of their children Pray for their futures Visit the local Shrine

Rei-Sai
Annual festival Celebrated on day relevant to Shrine in which it takes place White is usually worn by adherents on this day

Activity:
As a class place the following images in the most appropriate slide.
1. 2.


3. 4.

5.

6.

Answers
1.Haru-Matsuri 2. Sejin Shiki 3. Shichigosan 4. Oshogatsu 5. Rei-Sai 6. Aki Matsuri